I photographed a beautiful wedding Saturday on the banks of Guntersville Lake.  In this photo you see the bride and groom embracing for a kiss and silhouetted against the setting sun and the Tennessee River.  It was a stunning evening as the sun slowly set behind the mountains that surround the waters of this magical place.

        I listened as the happy couple exchanged vows of love and devotion.  I watched as the groom placed a ring upon the finger of his lovely bride and then I observed as his eyes glisten as she slides one upon his finger.  I felt the warm rays of the sun as they reflected off the mighty Tennessee River and greeted each guest with a friendly bear hug.  Later as the skies begin their glorious transformation and go from blue to reds, pink and purples I look up only to behold a rainbow raising his head to bless this wonderful event.

        As I think back to the time I spent here with these two families who came together in celebration and support of our two young lovers, I find great encouragement.  Each person dressed in their best smiles, each one exchanging embraces, words of affection and a dream.  They have come together not only as witnesses but much more as partners as they unite to participate in this union.  Each friend and family member took time out of their busy schedules, brought gifts, food and promises of support to these two who have just became one.  In a word, these people huddled around our new family have come together to do one thing, express their love.

        How long has it been since you have gone out of your way to express your love for someone?  Every day you meet them, every day you have been blessed and encouraged by their contributions to your life, yet never told them what they mean to you.  How sad to go through life and fail to give those we love that one thing they need most from us, our love and acceptance.  Come on, what are you waiting on?  Put your arm around someone and tell them; pick up that phone and make the call; look your daughter in the eye and whisper those magical words.  Love is a choice and failing to expressing that love is perhaps our worst failure in life.

Something to think about:

• A wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover as the love of the giver.

• I love you, not because you’re perfect, but because you’re so perfect for me.

• Love cannot be inactive; its life is a ceaseless effort to know, to feel, and to realize the boundless treasures hidden within its depths. This is its insatiable desire.

• Love cures people—both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.

• Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone; it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.

• Love is a tender plant; when properly nourished, it becomes sturdy and enduring, but neglected it will soon wither and die.

• Love is like the five loaves and two fishes. It doesn’t start to multiply until you give it away.

Thankful to those who have loved and supported me
Rickey Moore
To See Moore photos from this wedding visit
http://rlmoore.com/Images/Angela%20and%20Skip%20wedding/index.html